Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Bayelsa East senator, Clever Marcus Ikisikpo, seeking to join a suit aimed at stopping the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from contesting the 2027 general elections.
Ikisikpo, through his counsel, Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu, had filed a motion for joinder to be made co‑plaintiff in the case instituted by a forum of former legislators. However, the group, represented by SAN Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, opposed the move, arguing that Ikisikpo was not a member of their association and that his attempt was both suspicious and unnecessary.
Justice Lifu ordered Ikisikpo’s lawyer to provide proof of his client’s membership, which he failed to do. The court held that being a former lawmaker was not sufficient qualification for membership of the plaintiff forum. Following this, the application was withdrawn and subsequently struck out.
The substantive suit seeks to compel INEC to deregister ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA) for allegedly breaching Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. The plaintiffs argue that parties failing to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds should not be allowed to participate in the 2027 polls, as their continued existence clogs ballot papers, wastes public resources, and undermines electoral integrity.
... Federal High Court Strikes Out Ex‑Senator Ikisikpo’s Bid to Join Suit Against ADC ... Naijaonpoint.